Style Identification of Vocal Singers in Indian Classical Music Using Meend and Andolan

In Hindustani music, a small segment is the precomposed but the remains involve with a gradual systematic exploration of the raga by various forms of improvisation keeping the grammar of the raga intact. Performers are free to explore their improvisational patterns based on their experience and expertise. According to the artist’s cognitive and imaginative abilities, the quality and nature of improvisation differ among artists. One of the most important tools used in improvisation is musical ornamentation (alankar/alankaran). Extempore variations that a musical performer creates while performing within the limit of melodic pattern and the rhythmic cycle could be termed as alankar or alankaran (ornamentation). These variations in performance embellished and enhanced the beauty of the raga. Here, in this study, we are interested in finding the hidden musical patterns and structures in Indian classical music which are fundamental in unfolding the musical ornamentation of a raga. Here, we have discussed only two ornamentations, viz. meend and andolan. The study leads to identifying the style of vocal performers.